he few shortcomings one can point out can be traced to the technical department. The whole movie was consciously made in an understated tone which is why it feels kind of low-key without too many highs to it. This might avert such audiences who prefer action over dialogue.

OK Jaanu has its share of flaws but despite its weaknesses it not only entertains but also makes us think. The film is strictly meant for youngsters, for the older viewers may not be able to connect with it in the same way as younger audiences would.

La La Land makes for a wonderful cinematic experience. It is ebullient and so full of life. And, like all good dramas, it is also painful and heartbreaking at times. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling look so good together that one can go on and one watching them forever. It is as if they were born to play Mia and Sebastian. Their chemistry here reminds of Bergman’s and Bogart’s in Casablanca.

…is a non-stop entertainer, an absolute laugh riot, from start to finish, but, in order to fully enjoy the film, one needs to be credulous enough to believe anything and everything that’s on offer. In other words, the viewer must be willing to suspend the disbelief concerning the implausibility of the narrative. Once the viewer makes this compromise, Happy Bhag Jayegi will prove to be a rollercoaster of a ride. Aanand L Rai and team have done it again. Here is a family entertainer that just cannot to be missed!

Overall, Sultan is an out and out family entertainer that would enthrall the average viewer with its themes of love, sacrifice, success, failure, guilt and redemption.
The high level of predictability and lack of plausibility of Sultan’s plot may disappoint the sophisticated audiences, but the rest will savor it without any reservations. Salman Khan continues to be on a roll. Another grand box-office opening is on the cards for him.

Overall, Shorgul makes for a decent watch. It scores heavily on the acting front and performances alone make it watchable. Kudos to the movie’s ensemble cast! Lalit Pandit’s music adds soul to the film. Shorgul’s strong socio-political commentary succeeds in depicting the dirty side of vote bank politics and in raising pertinent questions about the lack of tolerance that engenders communal hatred. More importantly, it tries to teach us the true meaning of humanity.

It is a genre that the West excels at. Films like Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting, Darren Aronofsky’s Requiem for a Dream, and Steven Soderbergh’s Traffic come to mind. Udta Punjab is certainly not in that class but its socio-political commentary, heavily laced with satire, is nonetheless quite effective. Here is a film that needs to be watched.   

Overall, Te3n is a slow burning thriller made in the vein of classic whodunits but with conscious efforts to neatly package it as a modern day murder mystery. The editing is of the highest quality and immensely adds to the movie’s suspense quotient. Te3n is not meant for causal viewing. For, in case of any lapse in concentration, the viewer will find it quite challenging to follow the narrative. Te3n certainly deserves a better ending but even in its present form it makes for a solid film viewing experience.

Overall, Veerappan serves as a strong reminder of what Ram Gopal Varma is capable of doing in front of the silver screen. If it wouldn’t have been for its overtly theatrical performances, the film could easily have passed for a documentary. Veerappan gives the impression of an overcooked meal which despite having all the right ingredients fails to meet the epicurean standards. After watching it one gets a feeling that Varma is stuck in a limbo of sorts, trying really hard to redeem himself like some great writer battling with writer’s block. Perhaps, the day is not far when he finally succeeds. Until then all we can do is wait and hope. 

Overall, Azhar, despite its flaws and inconsistencies, proves to be an engaging cinematic experience. How it succeeds in weaving together different genres is quite commendable.